Health & Wellness

Have you ever considered getting your teeth whitened, but decided against it because you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars for an in-office procedure? Many people would like to get their teeth whitened, especially people who have spent years drinking coffee, wine, and other foods and drinks that stain teeth.

The good news is you don't have to go to a dentist to get whiter teeth. You can purchase a do-it-yourself teeth whitening kit from your local drugstore, or online. They're inexpensive compared to in-office teeth whitening procedures, and they're easy to use. Before using teeth whitening strips, you should brush your teeth 30 minutes beforehand. Always read and follow the directions on teeth whitening strip packages. Be careful to avoid swallowing the teeth whitening gel on the strips. Swallowing a little bit of the gel should not hurt you, but if you ingest too much, you may get a stomach ache, and ingesting large quantities of teeth whitening gel could be fatal. If you notice teeth whitening strips that contain chlorine dioxide, you may want to look for a different teeth whitening kit. Chlorine dioxide whitens teeth by eating away at the surface of teeth enamel, which could damage or destroy the enamel on your teeth.

Teeth whitening strips are made from a thin plastic and contain bleach or peroxide. The peroxide removes discolorations from the surface of your teeth, and after just a few days of using teeth whitening strips, you'll see a noticeable difference that should last about four months.

In Season

Matters of the heart are always important, but especially so during the month of February. Not only is there Valentine's Day to think about, February is also American Heart Month. This is a good time to evaluate your food choices and the impact they may have on your heart. Fresh, in season fruits and vegetables are among the best choices you can make for your heart health.